Editorial: Why Do I Prefer Sony?

[JPB]

For my part, I have never understood the concept of brand loyalty. Well, that's not true- I understand it insofar as it's little more than adolescent "mine is better than yours" and "I know more than you" posturing. But in terms of entertainment, it has never made much sense. Ever since I first put my hands on an Atari 2600 controller and tried to block this little white square (supposed to be a ball, of course), all I've ever wanted to do was play games I enjoyed. I didn't care that I played Tecmo Bowl on my GameBoy, Earl Weaver's Baseball on my Tandy PC (with 640k RAM!), or Contra on my NES. When I had both the SNES and Genesis, I couldn't comprehend why someone would only want one and not the other. I certainly understand not having the finances to own all the platforms, thereby forcing you to make a decision, but brand loyalty - aka, "fanboyism" - is both childish and counterproductive. This much, we all need to admit.

I love games. I don't care if I play them on a microwave or a vacuum cleaner. I don't care what company name is on the damn thing. However, over the past several generations, I've realized I've found myself gravitating towards the PlayStation brand, and this has never really happened before. Sure, I guess you could say I was a Nintendo fan, but who wasn't in those days? And I despised the N64 and GameCube, and don't think too highly of the Wii, although I do applaud Nintendo for that recent effort. I didn't really like the Dreamcast, but then again, I'm not a fan of arcade-style games. And yes, I was - and remain - a big RPG fan, so that's a good reason why the PS1 and PS2 got a lot of play time. But outside of that, I just found myself playing Sony consoles more and more often, and it's happening again even though I have both the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Thing is, I had the Xbox, too, and while I maintain that both Microsoft consoles to date (especially the 360) are the least reliable machines in the history of the industry, I really don't have a problem with the available software. I've played and loved the likes of the Halos, Ninja Gaiden, Gears of War, Deathrow (remember that one?), and more (I know Mass Effect is fantastic, but I just couldn't get into it). I also opted for the Xbox over the PS2 when it came to multiplatform titles, but that only made sense. But as I sit here and look at my collection, I have more games for PlayStation consoles than for anything else, and while I certainly had more for the 360 before late last year, that has already changed. It just seems as if the library of games on the PlayStation consoles has continued to suit my tastes more, and the PS1, PS2, and now the PS3 have all delivered what I wanted. It's the longest stretch I've ever "preferred" a company since the ol' Nintendo days.

Sony makes a reliable machine, the PS3 boasts a free Network, and with developers starting to gain a firm grasp of its architecture, we're seeing less crappy ports. Furthermore, Metal Gear Solid 4 is only the start of things; other exclusive titles like Gran Turismo 5, Resistance 2, Killzone 2, LittleBigPlanet, and Final Fantasy XIII are on the way. Yeah, the 360 will have Ninja Gaiden II, but at this point, it seems like both Bioshock and Mass Effect are headed to the PS3. Furthermore, I've always preferred the Sony controllers to the Microsoft controllers, although the RPGs are currently lacking on the PS3 this generation. In fact, with Lost Odyssey and Infinite Undiscovery, the 360 actually has the current edge. And yet, I already have more PS3 games than 360 games (I also have and love Warhawk, Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, Heavenly Sword, Folklore, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Unreal Tournament III, Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and Resistance: Fall of Man).

It was the same way on the PS2. It was the same on the PS1. Every generation for the past 12 years has caused me to lean towards Sony consoles. It's a combination of reliability, controller preference, and software, but it's mostly the latter...as it should be for all gamers. There's no doubt that gaming is a personal hobby and tastes differ, so bear in mind I'm not saying that PlayStation consoles are best for everyone. But I just find it a little ironic that with each successive generation, I end up with a much larger PlayStation library than any other console library I own. And the thing is, I always had/have multiple consoles to play! It's not like I'm limiting myself; I hate doing that. And it's not like I'm about to trash my 360, because I know it will have games I want to play. But I am never surprised to see Sony end up on top, because I end up leaning towards them at the end of each of the past two generations. And yes, I'm doing it again with the PS3, and I was actually very skeptical at first.

Of course, I can't predict the future. I could easily end up with a larger library of 360 games than PS3 games this time around. But...I just don't think it's going to happen, and this is not a self-fulfilling prophecy. I don't walk into a store and say to myself, "gee, I mysteriously prefer the PS3 so I should just get a PS3 game." I buy games I think I might like, and that's the end of it. Don't care what it's played on. Without much doubt, I do believe I'll be playing the PS3 probably twice as much as the 360 over the next few years. It's just something I've been doing with Sony consoles, and it's because they got the games. Guess that's the long and short of it for me.

PSXExtreme

Edit: Yes, it is from a Playstation site. But I totally agree with this. Buy the console based on what games *YOU* like. And leave the fanboyism at the door.

 

[mugs]

Ugh... I wish I had a picture of the $2000 worth of Sony hardware I owned that died prematurely (but out of warranty). And each one was a known, common problem. For a Playstation fan to talk about reliability after the Playstation and PS2 each had their own issues is pretty comical. The Xbox 360 is the least reliable console ever, but at least MS is stepping up and doing the right thing. We'll see if they continue to do the right thing in November when the 3 year warranties start running out and they still haven't fixed the issue.

 

[Eeezee]

You'll notice that many of the fanboys only own one system. When I was a kid, we could only afford one system; so I got a Super Nintendo. Now that I'm an adult, I can buy whatever system I want. That said, there are plenty of gamers of all ages out there that don't own one system or another.

By fervently supporting one system, it's essentially like supporting your favorite sport team. Hopefully some of that support results in more exclusive releases for your platform of choice. Nine times out of ten it doesn't matter.

Those who own all of the modern consoles may still choose favorably one console over the others out of sheer personal preference. I like the PS3. It doesn't have a lot of good games, but I like its appearance better than the other consoles and I like its Blu-Ray functionality. I also prefer the controllers, even though I'm in a minority.

Some people shun the 360 because of all of its hardware malfunctions. That sounds like a pretty good reason to dislike a particular brand. Regardless, if you enjoy the games, that won't matter as much (except for those weeks when the 360 is broken and you're awaiting a replacement)

 

[JPB]

I agree with both of you. Both manufacturers has problems. And come Jasper, if the problem is fixed, I will be playing Gears and Halo 3. And to be honest, I cannot say much about the PS2, because I've simply never owned one. But my younger brother did, and his disc tray constantly did not work right. And the laser always malfunctioned.

But right now, Ill stick to my PS3 and Wii until Fall. Then we'll see how things turn out.

Maybe ill buy a SNES again, just for good ole times

Edit: Although I have been *REAL* tempted to buy the Halo 3 Edition 360 from Newegg :Q

Must resist temptation

 

[DaveSimmons]

I think the Halo 3 edition 360 is just Zephyr not Falcon, so buy a dead one for a display case not a live one you expect to be able to use.

I'm loyal to games not console brands.

I like my PS3 but I've spent much more time playing PC RPGs and PS2 JRPGs than PS3 games.

I'll probably get a Jasper 360 for Crackdown, Dead Rising and other exclusives but that depends on when I work through my unplayed games pile or there is a must-buy 360 game which Halo isn't for me.

 

[Modeps]

you may want to write at the beginning of your post that you didn't write this article, or maybe put quote tags around it.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: mugs
Ugh... I wish I had a picture of the $2000 worth of Sony hardware I owned that died prematurely (but out of warranty). And each one was a known, common problem. For a Playstation fan to talk about reliability after the Playstation and PS2 each had their own issues is pretty comical. The Xbox 360 is the least reliable console ever, but at least MS is stepping up and doing the right thing. We'll see if they continue to do the right thing in November when the 3 year warranties start running out and they still haven't fixed the issue.

At least Sony was able to fix any common issues in the PS1/PS2 after a couple/few (if not just one) slight model revisions.

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: JPB
Buy the console based on what games *YOU* like. And leave the fanboyism at the door.

You wasted a lot of space on these here tubes to basically say this. It's also what I believe in. :thumbsup: Good for you that the PS3 has games you want to play. Me personally, I really haven't yet seen anything that's a "must have" for me. I still want one $200 awesome BR player $200 very good game console. I just can't really justify it, especially taking into account my low opinion of Sony as a company.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: mugs
Ugh... I wish I had a picture of the $2000 worth of Sony hardware I owned that died prematurely (but out of warranty). And each one was a known, common problem. For a Playstation fan to talk about reliability after the Playstation and PS2 each had their own issues is pretty comical. The Xbox 360 is the least reliable console ever, but at least MS is stepping up and doing the right thing. We'll see if they continue to do the right thing in November when the 3 year warranties start running out and they still haven't fixed the issue.

At least Sony was able to fix any common issues in the PS1/PS2 after a couple/few (if not just one) slight model revisions.

I criticize MS for the RRoD as much as anyone. It's sad that they haven't fixed it 3 years into the console's life. I doubt it'll be fixed by November, so I'm really wondering what MS will do about the warranties then.

FWIW, Wikipedia says the disc read error issue affected PS2s up until July 2003, which was more than 3 years after the launch. The source that was cited doesn't mention dates, so I'm not sure how true that is. I also don't know how long it took for the issue to become apparent. With the 360 the RRoD surfaced relatively quickly I think.

I'm not trying to defend MS and their hardware issues, just pointing out the absurdity of a Playstation fan citing reliability as a reason for preferring Sony hardware. The PS3 is the only Sony console that hasn't had any significant issues. I think Nintendo has had the best reliability. They had the 10NES lockout chip issue (that caused the blinking screen on the NES that everyone tried to rectify by blowing in the cartridges). They had the cracked hinges on DSes and I think some minor issues. But I don't think they've had anything as bad as the disc read error or the RRoD.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: mugs
Ugh... I wish I had a picture of the $2000 worth of Sony hardware I owned that died prematurely (but out of warranty). And each one was a known, common problem. For a Playstation fan to talk about reliability after the Playstation and PS2 each had their own issues is pretty comical. The Xbox 360 is the least reliable console ever, but at least MS is stepping up and doing the right thing. We'll see if they continue to do the right thing in November when the 3 year warranties start running out and they still haven't fixed the issue.

At least Sony was able to fix any common issues in the PS1/PS2 after a couple/few (if not just one) slight model revisions.

couple/few = many


I had 3 ps2 break on me and sony never did the right thing and replace them. All laser problems.

Yes RROD sucks and MS deserves the bad press but at least they fixed my Xbox 360 when it RROD and by the way none of my PS2 ever lasted as long as my 360 did before it broke. It also took less than 2 weeks from the time I opened the service ticket.

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: bl4ckfl4g
couple/few = many


I had 3 ps2 break on me and sony never did the right thing and replace them. All laser problems.

Yes RROD sucks and MS deserves the bad press but at least they fixed my Xbox 360 when it RROD and by the way none of my PS2 ever lasted as long as my 360 did before it broke. It also took less than 2 weeks from the time I opened the service ticket.

I've owned 2 PSX, 1 original PS2, and 2 slim PS2. 1st PSX broke 'cause I botched a mod. 2nd PSX I gave away when I bought the PS2. I then traded in the original PS2 for credit toward a new slim PS2. Sold the 1st black slim PS2. And finally I bought a silver PS2 'cause I felt like playing PS2 games again. Of all those PS2, I've never had a single disc read problem. Maybe I'm just a lucky sob.

On the other hand, I bought a X360 a year after its launch to play some of those popular 9.5+ rated games. I owned it for about 2 months and found X360 games just weren't for me. I'm not a MP fanatic, so XBL isn't really my cup of tea. I had multiple disc read errors during that time. I sold it before I got hit by the RRoD.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: Baked
I've owned 2 PSX, 1 original PS2, and 2 slim PS2. 1st PSX broke 'cause I botched a mod. 2nd PSX I gave away when I bought the PS2. I then traded in the original PS2 for credit toward a new slim PS2. Sold the 1st black slim PS2. And finally I bought a silver PS2 'cause I felt like playing PS2 games again. Of all those PS2, I've never had a single disc read problem. Maybe I'm just a lucky sob.

Hah... you sound a lot like me. My first PSX broke after several years of abuse... including multiple mods. I actually destroyed the housing at one point and a Sony engineer I met on usenet actually sent me a new one for free. My launch PS2 never died and is in fact still in my house and in working order. Needless to say, I don't have any issues at all with Sony or their electronics.

 

[EvilComputer92]

My PS2 from 2002 still cannot play regular cd rom discs because of the disc read error.

 

[Modeps]

Just to weight in, I experienced issues with both my PS1, and PS2. The PS1's laser track basically wore out because it was made of plastic, so I had to play games with the thing upside down, and it didnt always work. I was happy when the PS2 came out so I wouldn't have to do that anymore, but about a year and a half of ownership of the PS2, I got the DRE (as did my roomate at the time).

My 360 has been sent back 4 times now, 2 times for DVD issues, 1 time for RRoD, 1 time because I got shipped a damaged unit. You'd think I'd learn and not buy launch consoles (both my PS1 and PS2 were purchased at launch, as was my 360).

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
My PS2 from 2002 still cannot play regular cd rom discs because of the disc read error.

Did you ever try the fix? Its fairly easy to do yourself.

 

[BassBomb]

I have a PS3 and want also an XBOX360 but I can't justify 350$ for it when a PS3 is 50$ more

 

[Qbah]

I chose the Xbox 360 because I like the games it has more. That was the only factor when I was purchasing it. Didn't regret it one bit

 

[JJChicken]

I chose PS3 cause I am a sony fanboi, but I can see why people would buy 360s and Wiis. Good thing SF4 is going to be multi-platform! Hadoken!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: mugs
The Xbox 360 is the least reliable console ever, but at least MS is stepping up and doing the right thing. We'll see if they continue to do the right thing in November when the 3 year warranties start running out and they still haven't fixed the issue.

It will certainly be interesting to see how launch console owners with RRod are handled after that. I surmise they will be greeted by the mentality of - 3yrs was a sufficient period of time to back-up our product, please pay the repair fee now.

As to "It's just something I've been doing with Sony consoles, and it's because they got the games. Guess that's the long and short of it for me."I have been gaming longer than the writer *since he didn't start till the 2600* (yeah I know, cookie.) Saying the PS3 has the games this gen is kind of silly IMO, I'll have to own all 3 platforms to get "the games". I have the PS3 and 360, and still plan to get a Wii. And until relatively recently, the weak game library was the #1 knock made about the triple.

". I also opted for the Xbox over the PS2 when it came to multiplatform titles, but that only made sense." I didn't have a PS2, I was still 95% PC gaming during its run so no comment, but this gen, in my mind it still makes sense to choose xbox brand for multiplatform titles. Better MP and online experience *so far* better achievements system (not a BFD, but can be a factor when deciding which to buy it for) , and the games either look and/or play better or about the same *again, so far*

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: Qbah
I chose the Xbox 360 because I like the games it has more. That was the only factor when I was purchasing it. Didn't regret it one bit

 

[Wuzup101]

I have both a 360 and a PS3. I bought the 360 about 18-20 months ago and I have had the PS3 for about 3 months now. I prefer the 360 for gaming (Live + Controller preference), but the PS3 is a hell of a blue ray player (my primary reason for buying it... along with some good exclusive games coming out this year).

My 360 is currently at the MS repair facility (well technically being shipped back). I sent the box in on the 20th... and it's already coming back... that's not too shabby... Hey... I'm still pissed that it failed... but at least the repair was free and fairly fast!

 

[purbeast0]

i've had wii and 360 since their launch and i've had my ps3 since about 9 months after it came out.

generall what my current favorite system is depends on what games are currently out.

for the past 2-3 months all i've played is hot shots golf on ps3, so yea, right now ps3 is my favorite system.

i'm sure when GoW2 comes out, it'll switch back to xbox360 for a while.

console loyalty is the lamest/fanboyish thing there is.

 

[oznerol]

I got back into playing console games last April so both consoles were out - I picked the 360. Today, a whole year later, I would make the same decision.

From a pure gaming perspective, there is really no reason to get a PS3 over a 360. Live is superior, the game selection is better, achievements are fun, and the community is larger. Yes, things like reliability, wifi, and blu-ray can make your choice more difficult, but I am fairly apathetic about these things and just wish to play games.

Maybe in a year this will change with the PS3 getting noteworthy exclusives and Live-like service (I am skeptical at best). Until then, solely for the purpose of games, there's very little reason to go out and buy a PS3 now.

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: ducci
I got back into playing console games last April so both consoles were out - I picked the 360. Today, a whole year later, I would make the same decision.

From a pure gaming perspective, there is really no reason to get a PS3 over a 360. Live is superior, the game selection is better, achievements are fun, and the community is larger. Yes, things like reliability, wifi, and blu-ray can make your choice more difficult, but I am fairly apathetic about these things and just wish to play games.

Maybe in a year this will change with the PS3 getting noteworthy exclusives and Live-like service (I am skeptical at best). Until then, solely for the purpose of games, there's very little reason to go out and buy a PS3 now.

Theres plenty or reasons to buy PS3.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

I'm gonna get a ps3 for sure because alot of 2d fighters are coming out for it around christmas and next year. I have 300 dollars store credit at a local used book/video game/music store. They get about 1 in per month and said they'd hold it for me. I probably won't even buy a game for it until BlazBlue comes out for it in december or whatever. .

I think the best thing about the PS3 is no region locking.